Former Sardis Fire Department Secretary/Treasurer Guilty of Embezzlement

July 1, 2025 – State Auditor Shad White announced that William Clark, former Sardis Fire Department Secretary/Treasurer, has pleaded guilty to one count of Embezzlement of Public Funds.

Clark submitted inflated emergency response numbers in order to receive payments to which he was not entitled.

“We will continue to hold the line on misuse of your tax dollars, big or small,” said State Auditor Shad White. “This is how we’ve been able to recover more money in the last seven years than any other seven-year period in the history of the Auditor’s office.”

Clark was prosecuted by the Panola County Circuit Court. Clark was sentenced to ten years post release supervision and has been ordered to pay $1,100 in fines and $7,525.00 in restitution.

Suspected fraud can be reported to the Auditor’s office at any time by clicking the red button at www.osa.ms.gov or calling 1-(800)-321-1275 during normal business hours.

State Auditor’s Office news release